Legalize It

[Ganjarden]

I think medical marijuana should be legal, as well as marijuana for leisure, for hemp clothing, hemp paper, hemp oil, and brownies if you like. It would be a good cash crop for Missouri and, as a taxed commodity, would add to the state's tax income.

There's no logical reason for it to be illegal, and criminalization has a huge negative effect on society and people's personal lives. It's illegal status makes it a very lucrative trade commodity for drug cartels, organized crime and terrorists.

It's not a deadly drug, but a simple dried plant that has no known long term health risks. I don't think it should be used by teens, but it's not the worst thing facing a young person these days, and the worst side affect is getting arrested, followed by short term memory loss for heavy users. And, yes, it can be abused, as can alcohol, nicotine, food and video games. It's not a perfect herb, nor a perfect world. There needs to be responsibility in use and supervision of prescription drugs, as well as prescription marijuana. Common sense rules should apply. I think it's far past time for a mature and serious conversation on the legalization of marijuana and support should be given to those legislators and citizens who are courageous enough to step up to the task.

Actually, I think the illegalization of marijuana is unconstitutional, and it's use is protected by the Ninth. And that doesn't necessarily mean a free-for-all. Fear and funding is the only thing driving its current status.


News Hawk- Ganjarden http://www.420Magazine.com
Source: The Columbia Daily Tribune
Author: Vicki
Contact: The Columbia Daily Tribune
Copyright: 2009 The Columbia Daily Tribune
Website: Legalize It